The Dish: Alia Shawkat On Being Bisexual In Hollywood, Naomi Watts Gets Gay in “Gypsy”

Good morning! What are you up to this weekend? I’m going to Las Vegas with a bunch of lesbians, because I travel in style.

If you’re in New York, I highly recommend popping by Henrietta’s for their pop-up DJ series as part of their regular Friday soiree, Turnt Up. Tonight’s theme is Rebel Girls with Nicole of Nina Sky (move yo’ body, girl),DJ Lady Chellez, DJ Amber Valentine and. Rox Republic. It starts at 8 and ends at 4, because New Yorkers literally never sleep.

Backstreet Boy AJ McLean says he hopes his daughters (currently four years old and two months) end up gay because “that takes all penis out of my life.” “I do not want to deal with boys ever,” he continued. Is that how that works? (p.s. NSYNC is clearly the superior boy band and Lance Bass would never stand for this.)

AJ may be in luck. The “increase in lesbian population” is cited as a reason that women are buying more sex toys than ever. According to an analyst from market research company Technavio, “There is an increase in acceptability of lesbians into the society in the developed nations such as the U.S. and Canada. The number of people admitting to their true sexual orientation has increased over the past decade, with society gradually becoming more accepting. Thus, the demand for dildos and vibrators has increased in the last few years. The LGBT population presents a large market for sex toys worldwide. Also, there has been an increased provision for health awareness and healthcare programs for this group. Thus, with the growing acceptance of lesbians across several countries worldwide, users will be more confident and broad minded, and the consumption of sex toys may increase further in the coming years.” YOU’RE WELCOME.

The New Yorker talks with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel about her Broadway hit, “Indecent” and how it was inspired by a controversial 1920s play, “God of Vengeance,” that had one of the first lesbian scenes on the stage—”a lyrical, intimate scene in the second act when Rifkele, the daughter, sneaks out at night to join Manke, the prostitute; Manke bathes Rifkele in the rain, brushes her hair, and takes her to bed like a bride.” “I felt such joy and uplift reading the rain scene,” Vogel said. “There was no moralizing, just a matter-of-fact presentation of desire and love.” Related: Why haven’t I been making my girlfriend brush my hair? Seems legit.

Out lesbian Jess O’Connell has been tapped as the new CEO of the DNC. Formerly the Executive Director of EMILY’s List, Jess was very active in Hillary Clinton’s campaign for president, and DNC Chair Tom Perez said she has “an impressive progressive track record and I am honored that she will lend her talents to rebuilding our party and electing Democrats. She knows that we as a party need to get back to basics. We need to organize in every zip code and better communicate our message of inclusion and opportunity. We know what happens when Democrats don’t win, because we are bearing witnesses to the chaos and harm to working families that results with Republicans at the helm. Jess’ experience as a grassroots organizer and as a leader who has helped hundreds of Democratic candidates win up and down the ballot will be particularly valuable as we gear up for critical elections in 2017, 2018, and beyond.” No pressure Jess! Just, like, get us our country back? Thanks.

Two mothers who lost their children in the Pulse tragedy are requesting churches ring their bells 49 times on the anniversary of the shooting in Orlando in June. So far, 34 churches around the world have agreed to participate. “As parents, we don’t want our children to be forgotten,” said Mayra Alvear, mother of the late Amanda Alvear. “And most importantly, we would love the support of spreading love, not hate, as a message for humankind.” If you know of a church that might want to participate, point them in the direction of 49bells.org.

Alia Shawkat talks about her bisexuality in a new interview, where she also shares that an upcoming project has her playing opposite a woman love interest again (yay!). “I co-wrote and star in a new film called‘Duck Butter,’ which opens later this year,” she said. “I love that it was written for a man and a woman, but we couldn’t find the right guy, so now it happens to star two women [as lovers]. I used to be less outspoken. But as a woman, an Arab-American, and a member of the LGBTQ community, I have to use whatever voice I have. There’s no more delicacy in being quiet.” Amen, Alia. (Also, go see her in “Paint It Black” when it opens May 19. It’s queer AF.)

Photo by Shuterstock

The HRC celebrates LGBTQ moms because Sunday is Mother’s Day and if you love your mom, you better do something nice for her. (If you don’t, then save your money. Maybe treat yourself instead for being the ultimate caregiver.)

Genderqueer parents are misunderstood by most people, so this post on Romper breaks it down a bit. “My gender doesn’t really have anything to do with whether I’m a good or bad parent,” writes Reaca Pearl. “Just like my sexual orientation, my hair color, my GPA in high school, or any other personal trivia don’t really, in and of themselves, have anything to do with whether I’m a good or bad parent.” Seriously, I’ve seen “Big Little Lies”—rich, blonde, cis moms are the ones to worry about.

“Heather Has Two Mommies” has been banned countless times, but is now a collectible because of it. SO THANKS, HATERS. Author Lesléa Newman shares the history of the controversial children’s book, which was self-published in 1988 with only a 4000 copies in existence. Those first editions are now going for as much as $3000. “I have some in my basement,” Newman said. “Maybe I should put them up on eBay.” Girl, DO IT.

Provincetown-based radio show The Point gave an hour to the topic of Uganda’s homophobia and what organizations are doing to help combat violence and hate against LGBTQ people in the country. Just a little heavy listening to get you psyched for the weekend. (Maybe save for Monday.)

Naomi Wattsis getting a little gay in her new Netflix series, “Gypsy.” It premieres June 30th, which I’m pretty sure was timed to be a part of Pride month. (JK, def not.)

On Netflix now, though, is Season 2 of “Master of None,” which includes one of my all-time favorite lesbian characters, Denise, played by out writer/actor Lena Waithe.
Photo by Netflix

Have a fantastic weekend. Safety first!

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The Dish: Alia Shawkat On Being Bisexual In Hollywood, Naomi Watts Gets Gay in "Gypsy"